Early Settlers of Alabama

by Saunders

The Sixteenth Alabama--Its Departure

This, like all the regiments which volunteered early in the War, was taken from the cream of the fighting material of the county, and they were volunteers indeed. On the 20th Aug 1861. they left their rendezvous at Courtland, cheered by the hospitality of its citizens, and by the enthusiam which gushed from the Patriotic hearts of the people assembled to witness their departure. From Courtland to Knoxville the trip was one grand ovation. Confederate flags hung from almost every house top; at every corss-roads and town they were greeted with loud : huzzas". At Knoxville they were thrown into camps of instruction, where they had to learn the "goose-step" and pass through the "measles" before they were thought worthy to Encounter a campaign. These were haicyon days for there boys. They were viewing the sunny side of war. The Confederate army had been so far triumphant, and a spirit of overwhelming confidence prevailed among those in the field ready to battle for the cause; but unfortunately, to a greater extent among those who stayed at home, that other might do what little fighting was necessary, for them. The camp was a scene of great merriment. The music of rude camp ballads filled the air. One, which Elijah STOVER of the brass band of Oakville, had the honor of composing, or introducing, ran thus:

"We'll pray for the Doctor,
Whom I like to have forgot,
I believe he's the meanest of the whole flock;
He'll tell you that he'll cure you,
for half your possess,
And when you are dead,
he'll take all the rest

One Ingenious fellow
ventured to make a change
in the laws of war,
and to promulgate it in verse.

And if we find about our tents
A chicken over his owner's fence.
We'll take him prisoner, and then
he is tied
Till 12 0'clock, when he is tried"